RHHD beginning to vaccinate eligible residents against monkeypox

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are beginning to vaccinate certain people who may be at higher risk of monkeypox exposure Wednesday, agency officials said. The agency received about 160 JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccines July 19 and will be vaccinating people at higher risk who have not yet had contact with a known positive case.

Anyone interested in the vaccine may complete an interest form at rhhd.gov/monkeypoxvax or by calling (804) 205-3501.

The monkeypox virus causes a rash or lesions and is spread through close person to person contact. One case has ben reported in the Central Virginia region, and about 40 have been reported statewide to date. As of May, the CDC reported the disease in several countries that have not historically seen monkeypox cases.

Although most, but not all, cases of monkeypox associated with the current outbreak have been identified in gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men, anyone (regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation) can get monkeypox if they have close contact with someone infected with the virus.

Before Wednesday, RHHD offered only vaccines as post-exposure prophylaxis to high- and some intermediate-risk close contacts of known monkeypox cases. Vaccines are now beginning to be offered to adults with certain risk factors that increase their likelihood of becoming exposed to monkeypox.

Filling out the interest form will add a person to a list to potentially receive a monkeypox vaccine in the future depending on risk factors and the available supply. Because vaccination supplies are limited, monkeypox vaccination is not guaranteed to those who fill out the interest form.

Examples of people who are eligible to get vaccinated include:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners;

• Transgender women and nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men and have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners;

• Sex workers;

• Staff members at establishments where sexual activity occurs; and

• People who attend sex-on-premises venues.

“We know that there are many folks in the community who are ready to get vaccinated against monkeypox and we’re eager to vaccinate them,” said RHHD Deputy Director Melissa Viray. “Thankfully, there were vaccines already developed… we are prioritizing individuals with the highest risk while supply is low, but are hopeful that we’ll continue to get an increasing supply in the coming weeks and months.”

For details about monkeypox and prevention, visit rhhd.gov/monkeypox or call (804) 205-3501.